Shirley Marie Orlowicz

Shirley Orlowicz of Aberdeen passed away on the evening of March 22, 2022. She was 69 years old at the time of her passing. Shirley was known for not only passionately loving her family but for wanting to be there for them in any way she could. Born on August 21, 1952 in Elkton, Maryland, she grew up in Aberdeen. After graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1970, she worked at Perry Point Veterans Hospital. Shortly thereafter, she began employment at Aberdeen Proving Ground until her retirement in 2007. While working at Aberdeen Proving Ground, she met and married Michael J. Orlowicz. Wed in 1984, they would make their home in Aberdeen. In 1990, she gave birth to her daughter Christina. Shirley was known for the love she showed to her family, not only her immediate family but her extended family as well. Shirley especially delighted in seeing new and young members of the family as she would so often select clothes and toys for newborns and children both near and far. She is preceded in death by her parents Lacy and Margaret West of Aberdeen. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael John Orlowicz of Aberdeen and her beloved daughter Christina Marie Orlowicz of Aberdeen. She is also survived by her siblings, Carolyn M. Webb (Richard) of Knoxville, Tennessee, Ronald Arvin West of Aberdeen, and Donald Barry West (Lynn) of Essex. She is also survived by a large group of nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces who she dearly loved. These include Bruce Webb (Gabby) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Jeffrey Webb of Knoxville, Tennessee, Guy Webb (Nicole) of Louisville, Tennessee, Tracia Sherman of Baltimore, Tinia West of Aberdeen, Ashley West of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Jacob West of Essex. She is also survived by four great nephews and nieces, Connor and Paige Webb, Megan Mayweathers, and her “special little guy”, Caleb Stender. Services will be held on April 23, 2022 at the Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home of Aberdeen. In lieu of flowers, and to support Shirley’s love of children, donations in her name to organizations that help and support children are appreciated. Children’s Hospital of East Tennessee was dear to Shirley’s heart as she enjoyed not only their “Fantasy of Trees” during the holiday season but more importantly, the lifesaving work they provide.